Separated by a mere 2 miles ( 3.2 km ), St. Kitts and Nevis ( NEE-vis ) constitute one of the world's tiniest nations. Their beauty and charm, however, are not proportional to their size. Dominated by 3,792-foot ( 1,156-m ) Mount Liamuiga, mountainous St. Kitts contains some of the islands' finest beaches. Nevis embraces a single peakrising from the sea to a cloud-shrouded height of 3,232 feet ( 985-m ). Beaches of coral sand are found along its shores. Missing from St. Kitts and Nevis is the profusionof towering resorts found on many of the bigger, more developed islands, as by law no building can be taller than the palm trees. Its visitors can still enjoy the rustic atmosphere and slow-paced " island time " that some say makes for real relaxation.
St. Kitts Island, a volcanic island, is located in the eastern Caribbean 1,200 miles from Miami. The island is 60 square miles in size, with a population of 31,880. The primary language of the island is English. The capital city of Basseterre, a French name that means "lowland", features Georgian architecture. Besides those along Frigate Bay, good beaches are found along the south coast, at Dieppe Bay in the north and along the southeast peninsula. From the white sands of the peninsula's Turtle Beach, Sandy bank Bay and Cockleshell Bay, visitors can get fine views of Nevis.
The center of St. Kitts is Mount Liamuiga. To the north of this mountainous area are plantations that grow sugar cane, papaya, mangoes, avocados, bananas and breadfruit. Tourists are attracted to the warm waters and the white and black sandy beaches. The water is calm on the Caribbean side and offers exciting wave action on the Atlantic side. Scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, fishing, Catamaran cruises appeal to many. A multitude of possibilities are available for hotels and resorts, elegant condominiums and villas, plantation inns, guest houses and apartments. St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino, located on the Caribbean, offers numerous amenities. Ottley's Plantation Inn, located on the Atlantic,is a magnificent 17th century sugar plantation on 35 acres located at the foot of Mount Liamuiga. Nevis Island is a small slice of sandy land unspoiled by loud tourists and pollution. Instead, you will find that the " Queen of the Caribees " is tranquil, natural, and serene. If you want to head to an island, but you don't want the hassle of battling teens on vacation, head to Nevis Island.
The island itself is approximately 36 square miles and is around 200 miles to the south of Puerto Rico, and to the west of Antigua. Though you will find plenty of great beaches here, such as Pinney's Beach and Qualie Beach, that offer excellent swimming, you will notice right away that Nevis is also plush with green spaces. Only 10,000 people cccupy Nevis year round, but all of them are happy to greet tourists with a friendly face upon arrival. In many ways, Nevis is more about discovering nature than drinking or spending your time lying on the beach. This is precisely why tourists find that Nevis is an active place to visit. However, if you do like a drink or two, Sunshines Bar and Grill is a must visit. After all it is the home of the Killer Bee Cocktail.
Throughout the island, there are many hiking trails that will entice you; though it is highly recommended that you take a trail guide with you for safety's sake. Those that want to take a simple route will find that the Plantation Carriage Rides are fun for the whole family. Of course, no island vacation would be complete without some great cruisine, which is why Nevis has many quaint restaurants that are a far cry from those chain stops found on large islands. You will find many West Indian restaurants serving up local fare on this island,along with some restaurants that showcase worldly cruisine.
The waters between St. Kitts and Nevis are the final resting place for more than 400 ships sunk between 1492-1825, yet only some one dozen sites have been identified thus far. Experienced divers can expkore many of the sites. Arrangements for dive trips can be made through most hotels.A favorite spot for experienced divers is " The Caves, " a series or coral grottoes on Nevis' west coast. In every manner, St. Kitts and Nevis, are the ideal islands for you to go if you want to truly unwind.
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